davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

The general uuuasiucss which prevails
Throughout Eurupes and the warlike tone
Of affairs in Russia, Austria, Germany and
France especially. leads the Boston Adver-
tiscr to count up the present military
strength of Russia with view to the pos
sibity that she may make another push
toward Constatinoplc in the spring.
By an imperial ukuse Of November t.
1870, every Russian subject is liable to 20
years military service, the period of liabil
ity beginning in some parts Of the empire
at u.s. in others at ~. The infantry of the
active army comprises about 1873, men,
with 81. go horses and SS0G carriages. The
first infantry reserve has n strength oi
i21, III men. Besides there are six local
battalions, so called, numbering in all 5i9i
men and six special reserve battalions' in
Asia, numbering G024 men The gross to.
tai of the Russian infantry, active and first
reserve, is 1866. 34i men. When to this
are added the cavalry forces and the ley
les in mass, it appears that Russia, if need
be, could defend herself with over 5,5OO.
600 men, all of whom have received some
military training.
As for the navy. This is divided into
three divisions. the Baltic fleet, the Black
Sea fleet and the Siberian fleet 1t com
prises sea-going ironclads. These are
not, however. of the most recent construc
ton But there are now building for usc
/ in the Black Sea three very powerful iron
| clads These are equal to any, save per
haps one or two that carries the British
| flag. In the Caspian Sea Russia has 10 yes
| sells, and in the Sea of Aral six. These ar,
/ gun bearing steamers so that they afford
ample means of transport of stores and
| troops to the Afghan frontier. About hall
way down on the west coast of the Caspian
is Baku, which is connected by rail witt,
southern and interior Russia. Directly
across ON the opposite coast is Fort Michael
ofsk Thither by rail to Baku and thence
by steamer, or by steamer from the mouth
of the Ural in the north, reinforcement-
could he carried with ease and speed. From
this fort, which is grand stragetic point
an extensive railroad runs southeast through
Persia and to the East.
During the last six months every militia
ry post along the line of this railway hn'
been greatly strengthened and betweel
49, 600 and 30, 600 men are now Distribute
between Michaelottski and Samarkard. Ii
the other garrsons of the Caucasus there
are 100. 600 more, SO that if war were de
clared today large body of Russian troop
100, 600 if needed would certainly Ice il
Afghanistan and almost at the gates %
Herat by this day fortnight. The first vie
tory, consequently, would almost inevitabl
be Russian And all students of ASiati
warfare know the peculiar value and pres
tige to be thus gained England could NO
reach llerat within month from the tim
of Russia's arrival at that point and b.
that time, even on the the superstition tina
the Afghans still continued loyal to tn
English, Herat would probably have fallen
Thus, if Russia actually does intend 10 q
war in the spring it seems rs if She wou
have pretty nearly everything her own wa
in Afghanistan.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
A RED-LETTER DAY.

The temperance celebration on SUNDAY
was grand success in every way. At the
afternoon session the town hal was well
filled, large proportion of the audience
being Sunday school children. After SCRIP
ture reading and prayer 10y Rev Mr.. Day,
the temperance exercises by the scholars
were given in very credtahle manner.
ed, in which he set forth the truth that
there We're some experiences which Young
people could well afford to omit from their
lives, illustrating with incidents that had
come under his own observation Roy
Mr.. Parrys remarks were along IA similar
line, aud both speakers were listened Ia
with that close attention which is the sur,,st
proof of interest. Miss Knmbalrs talk WAS
founded upon the first chapter of Daniel
wherein she found practical lesson forthe
children of today. As Daniel the cnptjye
Hebrew boy, ''purpused in his heart not to
take the kings wine, and as "A result grew
strong and beautiful in mind and body, and
finally became the chief man in the king
dom, 50 every boy and girl, by plclging
themselves tn abstain entirely from what
ever tends to dehase and DESTROY. physically.
ihcHtdllN anu spiritually may become manly
and wumanly in the truest sense-ft for the
highest positions, the grandest work. The
exercises were literally mterspersed " it'll
singing, the rallying song being rendered
with much spirit aud the quartet by the
Booth children We Mean Ia Live An
Right, proving an attractive feature. AS
usual The orchestral accompaniment. both
afternoon and evening, added much To the
general musical effect
The evening program opened with IA song
service conducted by Mr.. Stevens. followed
by prayer by Rev. !. McAnn, reading of
the scriptures by Mrs Tucker. and singing
by quartet consisting of Misses Gregg and
Wyman and Messrs. Crosby and Leonard
Mrs. Housh then introduced Miss Kimball
and for am hour this pleasing and fluent
speaker portrayed the evils of intempernnce
more especially as affecting the young, il
Illustrating the various phases with bri ght
ana pointed stories or tragic incidents from
real life. Believing much of the intempe-
rance among the young to be due TO igno-
rance, she recommended the sef.evident
remedy of education in the home and day
school let the child be taught Thus saith
Science, in the home, the church and The
SUNDAY school let him learn Thus saith
Tod. In connection with the fact that the
criminal ranks are SO largely recruited from
drunkards and their families, an anecdote
was gwen, in one sentence of which was
wrapped up whole chapter on political
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

The Boston association uf Sons Of Yer
mont hnd its organization and first reunion
at the Parker House on Thursday of last
week At the preliminary business meet
ng these officers were elected President,
H. q. Houghton vice presidents, Wal
bridge A. Field and A. W. Beard Secre-
tary, clyde y. V. Hunt treasurer, Thorn
as Dana executive committee, George w.
Carpenter Alden Spcare, T.. II. Bennett ;
chaplain, Rev. H. T.. Spauldmg. The mem.
hers then proceeded to the banquet hall,
where plates were set for - persons On
the right of President Houghton sat Lieu
tenant Governor Fuller of Vermont and ON
his left Governor Anles, both of whom par
ticipatcd in the after-dinner speaking, as
also did Judge Field, state treasurer A. w.
Beard, Judge Bennett, Coils G. w. Carpen
ter and II. f.. Hill, Capt. S. h. Howard,
Rcvs. ~ c. Clarke and H. q. Spaulding
Col Benton and Mr. H. G. Nutt-the latter
gentleman representing the Vermont asso
citation of Chicago. Letters of regret were
read from Gov. Ormshee, ex-Gov. Fair
banks, GEN Thomas Hon VIM NJ Evarts
aud Senators Morrill, and Edmunds. Many
prominent gentlemen not named abov,
were present, and brilliant assemblage OF
ladies' graced the occasion, which altogether
seems to have been very pleasant one.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
FARMERS, ATTENTION.

The attention of the stock growers of
Wmdham county, and of all Aide-awake
and progressive farmers, is called u the
annual meeting of the Vermont association
of road and trotting horse breeders. which
Is to he held at the Bates House in Rutland
next Friday at one o'clock p. ~ Every
town in Windham county ought to be rem
resented and We suggest that the best work
which the agricultural societies of the diff
ierent towns can do is to see that represen-
latlves are sent. Bruttleboro. Westnin
Nter' Putney and Bellows Falls are already
walked up ON the subject and will have
representatives at the meeting. Towns
lke Wilmington, Nottingham, Wardshoro.
Halifax, jamaica, Townshend and Newfnne
Tor example, ought also To take hold with a
realization that one of the chief sources of
our farming profit in the future must come
IRON the breeding Of road and work horses
OF high class, such as this society aims To
promote. The annual membership dues are
only 81 Professional jockeys are ruled
out hut all good citizens" are eligible
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
The DendI, Chr s,o,e..

The report which the Massachusetts
board of railroad commissions has made ON
the recent Boston d Albany accident at
West Springfield is of special interest so far
as it relates to the danger by fire in such
accidents, 1t is not clear whether the fire
in this case started in the baggage or the
smoking car, or independently in each. In
one car the stove was bolted to the floor
and locked in the other it was bolted To
the floor and inclosed within a zinc-lined
cage or closet, But the violence of the
shock was enough to loosen the fastenings
or break any cast iron stove and scatter the
burning coal, and the commissioners sug-
gest that the result is another warning that
better and safer method of warming cars
should he devised and adopted But they
show also that there is very serious limi-
tauon to anything that can be done To hast
en- this matter 10y legislation, inasmuch as
there is reason 10 doubt whether any state
regulation would be constitutional which
prescribes any form of safety device for
cars engaged in interstate traffic. In the
matter of safety devices for steamboat
transportation from state TO state Congress
has been supposed 10 have sole jurisdiction.
and this might he held to be the case also as
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

The Senate committee on post offices and
post-roads has agreed on postal telegraph
bill as a substitute for that introduced hv
Senator Edmunds some time ago. 1t pro
vides for the establishment by the postmus
ter general of a postal telegraph system by
contracting for the performance of the ser
vice with existing telegraph companies
and make provisions for selling stamps to
cover the charges, at 20 cents for 20 words
where the distance is 1000 miles, and five
cents for every additional 80 miles pro
vided that no charge for 20 words or less
shall be more than 30 cents Night rates
are fixed at IL cents for 1000 miles or un.
der. All words except the date are to he
counted. The postmaster general is requir.
ed to retain three cents from the charges
upon each message, aud pay over the rest
to the company as full compensation for its
services. The company may maintain lis
own Offices outside the post offices for the
transmission Of kilograms upon its own
rates The postmaster general is required
to advertise for sealed proposals for the per
Torrance Of the service, and to contract
with the company whose proposal is deemed
most favorable, the contract to extend over
four years, with privilege of extension for
another four years, The postmaster-gene
is directed To advertise for sealed proposal,
to sell existing lines and franchises To the
government, and if any of the proposal,
received are deemed fair and reasonable. Ii,
is to report the same to Congress. This bill
is said 10 be more acceptable to the tele
graph companies than the Edmunds bin.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

Gen. Sheridan is Il warm advocate of sv,-
TEN of underground forts as the best means
for our coast defence He invented the sys-
tenn and proved its value for the protection
of ranches and supply depots against the In
dians. What proved so efficient ON a small
scale, and where only small arms were
used, would, he thinks, prove equally so in
heavy warfare. He would have the pits
lined with masonry, rooted with heavy
steel blocks, dove-tailed together, and would
raise and lower the guns by electric, steam
or water power. He would have several
stations for observation, all connected with
the sunken forts by telegraph. The har-
hor should be so perfectly mapped that when
a gun is pointed at a certain angle the gun
ner will know exactly where the proiectile
will strike though he may be far below the
gun and out of sight In this way the men
at the observatories could telegraph the po-
sitions of invading ships and the officers in
the pit would know what angle and direc-
ton to give the gun before raising and fir
ing it. All the machinery for this would be
powerful accurate and simple, and more
over it would be perfectly protected Gen.
Sheridan says that such system would cost
far less than any system of exposed fortf
cations, and would, in his Judgment, be
much safer and more efficient.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
MRS. COULTER'S WILL.



PROBATE COURT.
There was a hearing in the Probate Court
ON Wednesday of this week in relation 10
the probate of the will of Honora Coulter.
late Of Brattleboro, deceased. 1t appeared
IN evidence that Mrs. Coulter was formerly
resident of Reading, England, and drew
pension from the English government on
account OF the death of her husband while
a soldier IN the Crimean war of 1854 and
lopD Mrs. Coulter came to this country
several years ago and frequently went to
canada and sometimes To ENGLAND IN r.-
celVe her pension. From the proceeds of
her pension and from her earnings MS
nurse, She had saved some $1,000 In lSS5
she purchased a small house in Fsteyyill.
ana resided there for time with one of her
daughters, the wife of Arthur Wells of this
Town In September, 1886, she returned
20 England for visit and before her depar-
lure, ON the I'd of September, 1886, made
sha executed ute her last win and appointed
hlinund Carey executor thereof.
In said will she devised all of her estate
10 daughter residing in Greece and act
ing as guverness in a family there Mrs
Coulter died in England in November. 1886
and her viii was advertised for probate on
the last Saturday of January, and Mrs
Wells, the disinherited daughter then ap-
Peared to contest the same, when the hear
ing was continued TO this week
1t was claimed ON the part of Mrs. Wells
tnat her mother was insane and entertain
ed the delusion that her life was i'm danger
while living in Esteyville with her The
testimony produced ON the part of the con
testant tended to show that Mrs Coulter
was very eXcltable woman, that at times
she feared Mr.. Wells would take her life.
and at other times she thought Mrs. Wells
was attempting 10 poison her.
The evidence of the subscribing witnesses
to the Will was, in substance, that the de
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
a DastnrdIy Act.

There was Il terrific explosion on the
steamer Guyaudutte of the Old Dominion
steamship line last Monday evening rs the
boat was passing Long Branch on her way
to Norfolk, Va No one was dangerously
injured, but the only thing that prevented
serious loss of life was that the passengers
were in the saloon, while the crew were
forward waiting for the call to dinner. i
hole between fifteen and twenty feet wide
was torn in the hurricane deck and the
woodwork was So badly strained and weak
ened that the vessel was obliged to return
to port. 1t was plainly evident that dy-
Mantle had been used to cause this eXplu-
sion. Although there is no direct proof 10
that effect, it is generally supposed that the
explosion was the work of the striking
longshoremen and coal-handlers, to show
the steamship lines and railroad companies
what would be done in case they did not
come to the strikers terms. 1t would Ice
unjust and cruel to assume that the large
body of strikers consented to this crime or
had knowingly any part in it. But the as
SassinatlOn of men about the coal MINES,
the murders and destruction Of property in
the Hooking valley, the wrecking of train,
ON various railroads, the murders at tn,
stock yards in Chicago, the outrages at
East st. Louis the explosion of dynamite
under a street-cur in st. Louis and San
Francisco, and other similar crimes con
nected with almost every great strike in
this country, conducted by desperate and
wicked men in order to make strikes sue
cessful, cannot be forgotten by the public
The arrest of the iniscreant who put til,
dynamite aboard the vessel and proof that
he was not an authorized agent of the strilS
ers would be "A vast relief to the publ,
mind. If labor difficulties are to he settle,
with dynamite the fact cannot be too sool
made apparent.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

THE POPULATION OF FRANCE, according
to the census published in January, has in
creased only little more than 500, 600 in
the past five years In Paris the increase
is only 10000, whereas during the five
years preceding it was 2s0,O The French
capital has nov population of 2,344, 900,
but its suburbs have grown more rapidly
than Paris itself Fifty eight departments
are increasing, but % agricultural depart
ments present decrease Of 10000 The
excess of births over deaths since the last
census is BOG, 900, so that the remaining
100000 may be attributed tn the influx of
foreigners.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

that makes Patrick go wrong why not put
the whiskcy in jail, and set Patrick To
work ~ At the close of the address, which,
owing 10 the courtesy Of most Of the clergy
men in emitting the usual church services,
was listened to 10y an audience that com
pletcly filled the town hall, several "Ns'
young women took part in short hut not
unimportant exercise, following which the
henedictiun was pronounced 10y Rev. Mr.
McAnn. II il safe 10 say that last Sunday
was a red letter day in the temperance an
nails Of Brattlcboro, aud that il marked II
real advance in temperance Thought and
continent
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
THE LIBRARY.

ACTION on THE TRUSTEES WIN REGARD tu
REMOVAL TO THE NEW BUILDING a NEW
CATALOGuE-WR. BRADLEY ELE,rEp IT,
HRARtAN
The trustees Of the Brooks Library held
q meeting last Saturday evening, when lots
were drawn for the term for which each is to
hold office, an organization was effected and
other necessary business transacted. On
the drawing 0f lots as provided in Mr.
Brooks's will. the choice fell ON j NJ TYLER
to hold office as trustee for one year. DR.
Draper for two years, Col. Estey for three
years, Judge Wheeler for four years and
b. d. Harris for five years MIR. Harris
was chosen chairman Of the board. Mr. ~
Ter clerk, and Col Estey treasurer. DR.
Draper was instructed to formally notify
the trustees Of the Free Library that the
new building is now ready for occupation
10y the library according 10 the provision,
Of Mr. Brooks's will Some additional fur
niture will be put in the library, including
desk or writing table for the use of the
librarian and table to be placed by one Of
the windows Of the library room proper
for the convenience Of those who have oc.
casion 10 consult books Of reference
On Monday morning the Free Library
trustees on the part of the town held a
meeting at which the communication from
Mr.. Brooks trustees was presented an
nouncing that the building was at the ser
vice Of the town. With view 10 re
moval to the building at as early date rs
practicable it was voted 10 close the library
after Feb. IL and call in the books. to pro
ceed at once to have a new catalogue made
Of the books, aud to remove to the new
building as soon as may be after March list
1t was voted ~ employ janitor 10 have
charge of the building, aud on taking up
the motion made at a previous meeting to
proceed 10 the election Of Librarian Mr.
VIM. G.. Bradley was chosen to fill that
place. his election 10 take effect ON the re
muval 10 the new building.
Selections are now being made of stand
ard works 10 be bought with the $1,000 Civ
en- 10y Mr. Wells, and these with all Other.
books in the library will be included in the
new catalogue which will be made ready
for issue at as early day as possible
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
We Wish mr. Atkins Success

TTT'II1 wv T7ITT IITIEEVTI wv TTFFa'I
Mr. Hiram Atkins, who is an enthusiastic
angler, is trying to save the spawning
beds Of our lake from the net fishermen. If
his recommendation that regulations be
made to prevent the free shipment of fish
from the Canadian boundaries of the lake
to American markets is adopted, the sein-
ing business conducted in Missisquo bay bv
the Canadian fishermen win be broken up
and great temptation To transgress the
law ON the part of Vermont will he removed
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

demonstrated; and it is not impossible that
there really may be some plan ON foot to
stimulate the zeal Of the Mormon masses
10y presenting To them false Brigham as
risen from the tomb II any such puiTose
has been entertained however the premn-
ture exposure Of it will Ice awkward for the
uroiprtors
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
Announcements.

first class tenement to rent Enquire at ia
cohs's grocery store.
PICTuRE FRAMES arr cheap at Clapp & Jolrss.
Jacobs's coffee takes the head. A sample Of it
will prove IT,
Dinner at ~ o'clock Pc at Bliss's
Lunches from Be- up at BSs
Lodging from pc up at Bliss's
Meals cooked to order at Bliss
Table board, y meals, $500 per week az RliSs's
Call and get a sample Of tea ut Jacoi,s's tea
store.
Picture frames in great variety at a. +. Wider's
shop open evenings from tos
Buy Picture Frames Of Geddis
ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMING at Clnpp & Joncs'S
The place to buy your groceries is at .Iacobs'~
tea store, under the sign Of the big letter r.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04
IN. Illumination srhnnI Rnnh

State Treasurer Dubois is Just about to
make the second annual distribution to the
several towns in the state of the income
year 1886 The amount to he distributed
is 81 $50, the distribution is made on per
capita basis, and the money can be used by
the several towns only for the benefit of
their common schools. The l3 towns re-
Burlington, $3S2; St Adams, $242 Ben
ningtun, S2l3; Bratteboro, Sl91; st, Johns
bury, $l95; Colchester, Sl3S Rockingham,
1929; Montpelier, SlOS Springfield, sos
Brandon, $ll0; Swanton, SOB; Middle
hurV StO1
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-02-04

Senator Edmunds is reported as being
willing 10 agree to the House amendments
to his Mormon bill, Mr., Edmunds and
Gov Stewart are the real authors of this
Mormon legislation, 1t is singular, but
proper, that a great iniquitv, whose found
er went from Vermont, should finally come
under national correction of which two
eminent Nermonters are the authors.